Wynberg's new homeless service centre aims to transform lives

A new centre to support people experiencing homelessness is set to open in Wynberg after U-Turn Homeless Ministries confirmed it had secured the go-ahead from its executive team.

U-Turn is a non-profit organisation that helps to reintegrate street people into society.

Ward councillor Emile Langenhoven welcomed the news, calling it a milestone for the community.

“This centre will bring hope, dignity, and real change to those living on the streets – helping them rebuild their lives step by step,” he said.

“A huge thank you to every donor and supporter who stood by us over the past year. Your commitment has made this dream a reality.”

The centre will be based at the Wynberg Methodist Church, which has agreed to provide its hall and kitchen for U-Turn to run services on weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm, according to Stephen Underwood, communications officer for U-Turn.

He described the church’s role as “catalytic” and urged others to follow the example.

“Finding buildings is one of the biggest challenges we face. The church’s involvement shows what can be done with community spaces to assist vulnerable people,” he said.

U-Turn first announced its plans at a community meeting in April 2024, when the church confirmed it could host the project.

That night also marked the launch of a fundraising drive, led by Wynberg CAN’s Nancy Krisch, councillor Langenhoven, and U-Turn fundraising officer Andrew Soden.

“Those first steps – securing a venue and starting to raise funds – were absolutely critical,” Mr Underwood said.

Planning is now underway to set an opening date.

“From our side, we work with professional staff, so we need time to recruit and train new team members,” said Mr Underwood.

He noted that while an optimistic opening could happen in October this year, “a realistic date is January 2025, especially with so many holidays in December.”

The new centre will mirror U-Turn’s existing first-phase model, offering meals, clothing and ablution facilities in exchange for vouchers.

“These vouchers can either be donated by the public or earned by homeless clients through 90-minute informal work parties, like litter collection or sorting bottle tops,” said Mr Underwood.

“Beyond basic needs, we also run programmes that build motivation so that clients are ready to move into Phase Two – drug and alcohol rehabilitation – and later into Phase Three, which focuses on work-readiness," Mr Underwood said.

Although services usually begin slowly while trust builds, U-Turn expects the centre will eventually assist between 40 and 80 people a day.

“It is wonderful to know that, step by step, more people will be given the chance to turn their lives around,” said Mr Underwood.

Councillor Langenhoven added, “This has been an incredible journey. The best is yet to come.”

For more information about U-Turn and its services, visit www.homeless.org.za.